Camp Counselors
Camp Safe Haven North Carolina August 13-19, 2012
The Safe Have Project relies upon volunteer staff and their efforts in order to accomplish the goals of Camp Safe Haven: To provide a fulfilling, fun and personalized experience for each of its campers, while creating an environment where they do not feel different or out of place.
Counselors range in age and experience from those in college to seasoned adult volunteers. From the numerous applications we receive, and reviewed by the Safe Haven Programs staff, individuals are selected who best reflect the ideals of public service, as well as those with a desire to work with children and teens in need.
In addition, each camp requires a large counseling staff to maintain its 2:1 staff to camper ratio – the highest of any program we know. This ratio allows for highly individualized attention, greater connection with campers, and a more relaxed enjoyable experience for counselors.
Safe Haven policy requires that counselors dedicate themselves to an entire program week and a comprehensive training agenda that includes HIV / AIDS, universal precautions, conflict resolution, confidentiality, and compassion. Attendance at training, which is held directly before camp, as well as a medical and background check are mandatory requirements for this position.
Junior Counselors
We receive requests from young people who have the desire, but are not quite old enough to become full-fledged counselors. For this reason, Safe Haven Project, Inc. established the Junior Counselor program.
Former camper alumni and applicants who are between the ages of 15 and 17 may apply for these positions.
These applicants must display maturity and a willingness to be mentored by experienced councilors. Junior Counselors are not in charge of camper’s medical routines; rather they assist the counseling staff with activities and setup. In addition, Junior Counselors are required to attend the full training session prior to camp and under go a background
check required by law.
How to Become a Camp Counselor
It is one of our missions to offer the camp experience to as many new individuals as possible, while also seeking to balance our new volunteers with veteran staffers to provide a smooth experience for all. It is in this spirit that we ask each potential volunteer, both new and returning, to submit a Letter of Intent to Safe Haven.
This letter should include the following:
- Your name, age, date of birth, address, home & cell phone numbers and email address.
- A brief description of your past service commitments.
- Why you want to be a counselor at a Safe Haven Camp.
- State your ability to attend training (held prior to camp) as well as provide your own transportation to the area at camp time.
- (If you are applying for one of the Junior Counselor positions ) a note from your parent or guardian which supports your desire to volunteer with us is required, and you should write your own letter of intent.
Please send letter of intent to Jolynn Novak at the address or email below:
Jolynn Novak
Administrative Assistant
692 A Pinemeadow Rd
Northfield, MA 01360
413 824 9232
jolynn@safehavenproject.org